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Monday, February 20, 2012

Presidents' Day Activities, Coloring Pages, Books and More

Happy Presidents' Day!! The more that I learn about our U.S. presidents, the more I appreciate this day. Although Presidents' Day typically focuses on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, we have had a number of fascinating men running the United States: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Garfield, Theodore Roosevelt, Kennedy, the list goes on and on. I am grateful to them, and their willingness to take on the incredibly difficult job of running this country. Have you noticed that every single president has left office with a head full of gray hair? I don't think that a single person entering into this position has a clue about what they are getting into and how hard it will be to try and hold the country together.

With this being an election year, I think now is an especially good time to discuss the office of the presidency, how a president is elected, and what they must do once they are in office.

Tonight, as I type this, my husband and children are sitting in the next room watching Abraham and Mary Lincoln, A House Divided: American Experience on PBS and learning about Lincoln's life. Though it is way past their bedtime, we're letting them enjoy the moment, knowing that tomorrow we will be remembering him and other US presidents.

Anyway, in honor of all the men who have so bravely led this country, here are some excellent resources for learning more about them and the office that they've held.

LESSON PLANS

• Scholastic has a good lesson plan titled, If I Were President, that covers a wide range of activities.